In the aftermath of a recent car theft, the Madison Police Department urged residents to exercise caution.
An unknown perpetrator recently stole a 2000 Chevrolet Impala after the owner of the car left it unattended, unlocked and running in her driveway, according to an MPD incident report.
The theft took place last week on the 3700 block of School Road near Dane County Regional Airport. MPD recovered the car across town in western Madison Sunday.
MPD hopes the crime will serve as an “early warning to residents about a seasonal crime spike.”
“The problem is many leave autos, vans, trucks and SUVs running and unlocked, a perfect combination for opportunistic criminals, many of whom are not interested in keeping your wheels for the long haul,” MPD Public Information Officer Joel DeSpain said in the report.
Many Madison residents “opt to enjoy the warmth of a preheated car before venturing out,” said DeSpain, but it is important to be wary.
“[Criminals] often just seek a way to get from point A to point B, which sometimes is across town,” DeSpain said. “The key, obviously, to prevent being victimized, is to not leave your vehicle unlocked and running.”
